Natchitoches (NACK-a-tish), one of two Preserve America communities in Louisiana, was founded in 1714. The town grew up along the Red River levees and river channels. During the 1830s, the river shifted its main channel to the east. Now sitting on an isolated oxbow, the city quickly saw the end of river traffic and was forced into transporting goods by land. Over time the town became established as a primary area for land trade, and a throughway for a stream of Texas settlers.
   This sunrise view looks out from Grand Ecore and the Red River Bridge, just a few miles north of Natchitoches. The Grand Ecore Visitors Center sits on a high bluff which overlooks the Red River, and offers a main access point for river recreation. While the center's grounds play host to area wildlife, inside, cultural and historical exhibits of the Natchitoches Parish are on display. Recreational information is also available on the waterway. Today's Grand Ecore residents and visitors are able to enjoy the Red River that Natchitoches had lost nearly two centuries ago.

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